How To Save Money On Car Key Replacements
Car Key Replacements
The loss of a key can be costly, whether it's a simple lock-and-key, or a sophisticated key fob. It's best to keep a spare key in your wallet.
The cheapest solution is to contact an auto locksmith if you've lost your keys. A dealership could be more expensive, but it's an option worth considering.
Mechanical Keys
If you have an older vehicle that doesn't use key fob technology, your car keys are probably mechanical. Keys of this type are made of metal, such as brass, steel or a mixture of nickel and brass. The keys are cut on a key duplicator that makes use of a blank key as a template and an original key placed on the other side of the machine. The original key is cut with an specialized cutter to make a copy.
Transponder Keys
Transponder chips are integrated in the majority of newer automobiles keys. These chips are used to unlock the car and then start it. The chips are typically placed inside the key head, however they could also be placed in the ignition. The transponder sends an electronic signal to the car's computer when the key is inserted into the ignition. The computer analyzes the signal and makes sure that it is in line with the correct serial number.
This makes it virtually impossible for a stolen vehicle to start without the owner's keys. If the signal does not match, the vehicle will not start. This is a huge benefit that helps to discourage car thieves since the odds of someone else attempting to start and then driving away with your vehicle are drastically reduced.
The disadvantage of transponder keys is that it costs more than a traditional flat metal key. This is because the transponder is equipped with a tiny microchip that's expensive to produce and install in a car key. Keys like these are usually expensive when purchased from a dealership for cars.
A locksmith can offer less expensive and trustworthy transponder key replacements. Beishir Lock and Security carries a large assortment of keys, and can modify the chip to work with your vehicle on-the-spot for a fraction of price of the dealership.
Make sure to compare estimates when looking for the replacement transponder keys. The final cost of a replacement car key is determined by many factors, including the make and model of your vehicle, the additional features that you can find on the key (such as a remote-control key-fob), and even the location you decide to copy it.
In the end, you need to weigh the advantages of a transponder versus the cost and convenience. If you prioritize security and safety and security, then a transponder key may be worth the investment in the long in the long run. A car key that isn't transponder-compatible won't allow the car to start.
Laser-Cut Keys
Although they may seem like something from the sci-fi genre laser cut keys are in fact quite common and provide an additional layer of protection for vehicles. These keys are made with specially designed key cutting equipment and are much harder to copy or pick for thieves than traditional cut keys.
Unlike traditional keys that feature grooves cut into one side laser cut emergency car key replacement keys have slits cut on both sides. This allows them to be put into the lock cylinder in any direction, and still operate. They are therefore more durable and stronger than traditional keys.
They can also be used as a bonus to open high-security locks. This is due to the slits being tooled into a specific depth that matches with the various codes of the car manufacturers. Finding the correct depth is essential since a wrongly cut blade could damage the machine that cuts keys and result in the key not working shortly after being put into the lock cylinder.
The unique slits and increased thickness of car keys cut with lasers make them more resistant to copying. Some keys include a transponder that is specific to your car. This means that when someone copies your car key, even if it's equipped with transponder chips they won't be able to start your car.
Laser-cut car keys might be more expensive, but they are still cheaper than buying a replacement key fob for car from a dealership. Additionally, locksmiths are often able to cut these keys faster than the car dealership.
Another aspect to be aware of is that the quality of a laser cut car key could make all the difference. The wrong type of blade could easily damage the machine that cuts keys or your lock cylinder which could result in a costly repair bill. This is the reason it's essential to get your laser cut car key from a reliable company that sells them to auto locksmiths.
Bibens Ace South Burlington has a wide range of replacement car key costs car key FOB keys for more than 250 different models and brands of vehicles. We also offer laser-cut sidewinder key. Stop by today and see how we can help you save money on replacement car key fobs without the hassle of going to a dealer!
Remote Keys
It wasn't long ago that misplacing your car key or losing it was not a huge issue. Get a locksmith on the phone to get a new key and then drive away. Today's cars are more advanced in technology and keys that are compatible with them are more difficult to replace. They can also be harder for thieves copy. It's now more expensive to replace a lost car key.
The cost of replacing a key will vary according to the kind. For traditional keys you can get an exact copy made for around $10 at a hardware shop, or you can ask an locksmith from the automotive industry to visit you and create a key on the spot.
If you have an intelligent key, transponder keys with a switchblade or a transponder with remote start, you'll be required to visit your local dealer to have it replaced. It can be very expensive and could take some time to get the new key from the manufacturer which could delay getting back on the road.
Like any other electronic device the car key can stop working for no apparent reason. This can be due to extreme heat or cold however, it can also be caused from an unsatisfactory battery or water in the keyfob after rain. It is recommended to reset your car key before calling an auto locksmith if you notice that it's not responding.
You should also know that your key fob will only function if you're within the reach of the vehicle. This is why it's important to keep your key fob on you at all times and not let it leave your pocket unless you're sure that you'll return it promptly.
The majority of people lose their keys to their car when they drop them or lose keys. This could cause the key to break or get stuck in the lock. It's a good idea to always have a spare.